Report & Reaction | Magpies Pick Pirates Pockets

 

After a difficult start to the season on paper – having been paired with each of the top four from last season’s FAWNL Division 1 South West in their opening four games – Maidenhead United Women finally got full reward for their good performances with a comfortable 2-0 victory away at Bristol Rovers on Sunday 30th August. 

 

United started the game well and Tyra Wilson – making her first start – crossed to the near post early on only to see Mae Goulden bundle the ball wide of the target. Maidenhead were two-up after twelve minutes as they shocked the Pirates with two goals inside two minutes. Firstly, Izzy Stockton chased a long ball sent deep from her own defensive third by Molly McKeever. With Rovers defenders unable to deal with the lofted pass, Stockton found herself clean through on goal and able to tuck the ball past the home goalkeeper with cool confidence. 

 

The second came when a good team move ended with the ball being played into a dangerous area for Katie Akerman to hit a dipping effort for what was a wonderful goal. 

 

Goalkeeper Cherry Preisner had to be alert to save a deflected Gipsy Viveash effort as Rovers hit back, but it was largely the visitors on top as Wilson tested the Rovers ‘keeper and Simone O’Brien fired across goal. United suffered a blow before half time with Alex Dover suffering after a clash of heads and having to be replaced, but Wilson had two further efforts at goal as United ended the half strongly. 

 

There was a let off for United as Viveash – the best player for the home side on the bar – sent in a freekick which came back off the top of the crossbar but that was to be as close as Rovers came. Substitute Dani Dias was impressive again and she cut in and saw her shot fizz narrowly over before Wilson’s clever pass found O’Brien whose shot was plucked out of the air by the hosts custodian. 

 

NEXT UP United will make the short trip to Burnham FC, home of Wycombe Wanderers for a local derby in the FAWNL Cup on Sunday 6th September. It will be a 2pm kick off at The 1878 Stadium, Wymers Wood Road, Burnham SL1 8JG. Admission will be £6 for adults, £3 for over 65s and just £1 for those under 16. 

 

Preisner, Dover (sub Dias 35'), Akerman, Charles, Stockton (sub Mitchell 80'), O'Brien (sub Robertson 74'), Wilson (sub Vince 83'), Goulden (sub Cechova 88'), McKeever, Evans (sub Webb 71'), Huntley. Sub not used: Harper. 

 

 

Izzy Stockton (10'), Katie Akerman (12'). 

 

 

Manager Dave Kitson's full interview is available HERE 

 

Captain Simone O'Brien and forward Mae Goulden spoke with FC Video after the match and their full interview is available HERE.